Royals Aim to Exploit Diamondbacks’ Injury Troubles
KANSAS CITY, MO – The Kansas City Royals (6-12-1) welcome the Arizona Diamondbacks (8-12) to Kauffman Stadium as both teams navigate preseason play. The Diamondbacks are grappling with a substantial number of injuries, potentially giving the Royals an edge in this contest.
Royals Look to Build Momentum
The Royals are averaging 5.5 runs per game, fueled by strong performances from Nick Loftin
(9 RBIs, 2 HR, .318 AVG) and Josh Rojas
(2 HR, 8 RBIs, .280 AVG).
- Record: 6-12-1
- Offense: .255 AVG, 5.5 R/G, 1.3 HR/G
- Pitching: 5.99 ERA, 1.72 WHIP
- Starting Pitcher: M. Wacha (1-0, 2.25 ERA)
Starting pitcher M. Wacha
has been a bright spot, recording 6 strikeouts in 4 innings pitched without allowing a home run.
Diamondbacks Battling Injury Crisis
The Diamondbacks, while holding a slightly better record, are facing significant challenges due to injuries. Key players are sidelined, impacting both their offense and pitching.
- Record: 8-12
- Offense: .259 AVG, 4.5 R/G, 1.2 HR/G
- Pitching: 6.02 ERA, 1.58 WHIP
- Starting Pitcher: M. Kelly (Stats unavailable for preseason)
Offensively, Jordan Lawlar
(4 HR, .333 AVG, 5 RBIs) and Jose Fernandez
(3 HR, .280 AVG, 7 RBIs) are leading the charge, but the pitching staff has struggled with a high ERA and WHIP.
Injury Report
Kansas City Royals
- James McArthur – RP – Day-To-Day [Mar 12]
- Michael Massey – 2B – OUT [Mar 17]
- Stephen Kolek – SP – OUT [Mar 27]
- Alec Marsh – SP – 60-Day IL [Feb 1]
Arizona Diamondbacks
- Adrian Del Castillo – C – OUT [Mar 26]
- Cristian Mena – RP – OUT [Mar 26]
- Merrill Kelly – SP – OUT [Apr 1]
- Lourdes Gurriel Jr. – LF – OUT [May 1]
- Tyler Locklear – 1B – OUT [May 18]
Head-to-Head
The teams have not met during the current preseason.
Betting Odds
Bookmakers are giving near-even odds: Royals (P1) – 1.83, Diamondbacks (P2) – 1.87. But, considering Wacha’s strong performance (2.25 ERA, 6 strikeouts in 4 innings) and the Diamondbacks’ injury situation, the Royals present a potentially valuable bet.
Prediction: Royals to Win (P1)
Despite both teams allowing a high number of runs, the Royals’ pitching advantage with Wacha on the mound, coupled with the Diamondbacks’ depleted roster, gives Kansas City the edge. The Royals’ home-field advantage and aggressive offensive approach further solidify their chances. Forecast – P1 ⚾🏆
FAQ
- What is the Royals’ current record? 6-12-1
- Which key Diamondbacks players are injured? Adrian Del Castillo, Cristian Mena, Merrill Kelly, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., and Tyler Locklear are currently out.
- Who is the Royals’ starting pitcher? M. Wacha (1-0, 2.25 ERA)
- What are the betting odds? Royals (P1) – 1.83, Diamondbacks (P2) – 1.87